19Inside, the fhigh priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them.20Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret.21Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”
22Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”
24Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.
In Jesus’ passion we meet groups of people who approach Jesus very differently. To this day we can all join any of these groups at any time, and probably have been in every group at one time or another.
The high priest and the Sanhedrin represent a group of people who reject Jesus, no matter what. They may or may not know the truth, but their need to control their own lives is so great they won’t consider anything that threatens that control.
Peter and the disciples represent a group that knows the truth, but is afraid to stand up for it. We’ve all been there. But this group makes an amazing transformation when they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Pilate, whom we will meet very soon, represents someone who wants to know the truth, but in the end chooses his own best interest ahead of doing what is right. He doesn’t hate Jesus or the truth, like the first group, but he doesn’t love it either. In the end, he is looking out for himself.
Lord, help me to follow you, the truth, wherever you lead. Transform me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Change me Lord, change me. *obbs*
